The banquet highlighted the accomplishments of faculty members from across the university who have been recognized by their peers and students for their contributions to education, particularly at the undergraduate level.

“Among the many ways we reward good teaching on the Forty Acres, none is more special to me than the induction of new members to the Academy of Distinguished Teachers,” said President Bill Powers, who was inducted into the academy in 1997 as a law professor.

The inductees were named by Provost Steven Leslie in June, and each will receive a permanent academic salary increase of $7,000 and be designated as a Distinguished Teaching Professor.

The 2011 inductees are:

Jay Banner, professor
Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences
Banner has been the director of the Environmental Science Institute since 2000. He has received recognition for his work in the classroom from students and peers. He took a leadership role in the university-wide effort in curriculum reform and helped establish the “Hot Science – Cool Talks Outreach Series” that brings scientific research to the university community, the public and especially to K-12 teachers, via live and webcast lectures.

Michael W. Downer, professor
Department of Physics, College of Natural Sciences
Downer is among the most highly rated undergraduate instructors in his department, with his lowest overall instructor score from students in the past year being a 4.3 out of 5. He has developed low-cost “Cir-Kits” to allow students to build and study electrical circuits in the classroom and at home. In addition to overseeing a well-funded and large research program, Downer remains active in summer and school-year academic programs involving undergraduates.

Charles Holahan, professor
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
Holahan has received numerous teaching accolades and receives high marks from students. He has served as both undergraduate adviser and honors adviser in Psychology and is credited with shaping the current structure of the Departmental Honors Program. He was also one of the architects of the Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Sharon Jarvis, associate professor
Department of Communication Studies, College of Communication
Students describe Jarvis as energetic and generous with her time outside the classroom. In addition to receiving various teaching accolades, she is director for research at the university’s Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Participation, which works to increase voter participation and build citizenship. She has directed more than 100 students to outreach programs at the institute serving the people of Texas. She is also an award-winning author, and her research projects have won top awards.

Beth Maloch, associate professor
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education
Described as a demanding yet caring teacher, Maloch challenges her students by providing real experiences in urban classrooms. For example, her students serve as reading tutors at Allan Elementary School in East Austin twice a week, and she uses video and visits to exemplary teachers as part of her curriculum. In her role as faculty coordinator, Maloch is responsible for a cohort of 20 to 25 students. She teaches many of their classes, coordinates their field experiences and assists with their placements in classrooms. Her teaching honors include the Outstanding Teaching Award from The University of Texas System’s Board of Regents.

Yale N. Patt, professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering
Known as a tough grader who assigns heavy workloads, Patt still gets consistently high evaluations from students. His landmark textbook has been adopted at more than 100 colleges and universities, including Cornell and Purdue. He has also worked to provide support for students who need additional preparation for the rigors of electrical and computer engineering, including designing a supplemental course, which received funding from Intel Corp.

Marjorie C. Woods, professor
Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
Woods’ teaching style requires extensive student participation, with a student or group of students introducing the discussion for every class. Her writing assignments include imitation exercises and, for research papers, cumulative assignments divided into stages. She also takes all of her classes to the Harry Ransom Center to look at manuscripts for classes focused on the medieval period and valuable archives for classes focusing on other periods. She is the recipient of the Rome Prize for the American Academy in Rome, the Harry Ransom Award for Teaching Excellence in the College of Liberal Arts, the University President’s Associates’ Teaching Excellence Award and the Chad Oliver Plan II Teaching Award. Woods was unable to attend Thursday’s banquet because she is currently at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University.

Established in February 1995, the Academy of Distinguished Teachers was one of the first associations of its kind in the nation. Deans of colleges and schools annually nominate faculty for membership, and a committee that includes members of the academy, students and other faculty review the nominations and recommend a slate of honorees to the provost, who makes the selections. The 2011 inductees bring the university’s total academy members to 126.

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/12/09/distinguished_teachers/feed/4Prominent alumni drive Clark Field’s renovationhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/16/clark_field/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/16/clark_field/#commentsWed, 16 Nov 2011 19:39:58 +0000University Communicationshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=22424University of Texas at Austin students are now able to enjoy club and intramural sports on a newly renovated Clark Field, thanks to a plan created by and leadership commitments from two Houston families with strong ties to the university.

Rendering of the new Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field.Credit: PSA Dewberry

Former chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents and university alumni H. Scott Caven Jr. and his wife Vivien made the first significant gift to launch the renovation of Clark Field. Their desire to upgrade the field, make it accessible to more students and redevelop it to accommodate lacrosse club sports was done in memory of their son, Scotty Caven, a Plan II Honors student whose athletic passion was lacrosse, and in honor of the many Caven family members who have been involved with the university for more than 90 years. In recognition of the Cavens’ dedication and leadership, along with their steadfast support for the game of lacrosse, Clark Field has been renamed the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field.

“This day is special for my family and me as we help create a permanent home for men’s and women’s lacrosse. I am honored that through the generosity of many contributors, UT students will enjoy the wonderful experiences that many of us alumni had, participating in a variety of sports on this historic field in the heart of campus,” Caven said.

The other major commitment to the Clark Field renovation came from university alumni Gary and Sylvie Crum, who have long provided generous financial support of women’s athletics, the McCombs School of Business, the Division of Recreational Sports and the Texas Exes, among other schools and divisions at the university. The Crums’ daughter, Clayton, is a co-captain of the women’s lacrosse team.

Rendering of the new Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field.Credit: PSA Dewberry

“The extraordinary vision and generosity demonstrated by the Cavens and Crums allowed this project to move forward quickly,” said President Bill Powers. “Thanks to them and other generous supporters, our students will be able to enjoy a first-class lacrosse and sports facility for years to come.”

The $4 million Clark Field renovation was made possible through $3 million in private gifts and $1 million from the Division of Recreational Sports. Construction began July 18. Fundraising efforts are continuing as the project nears completion. Located west of San Jacinto Boulevard and south of East 21st Street, the renovated field will feature a synthetic turf playing surface, a refurbished track, new exercise stations and a new pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek.

In addition to serving as a championship-quality lacrosse venue for the men’s and women’s lacrosse clubs, the facility will continue to serve the dedicated cadre of students who enjoy jogging, walking and working out in this great outdoor space. As the last green space on campus, the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field will provide students new recreational opportunities in an enriched outdoor setting.

The upgraded facility was dedicated on Friday, Nov. 18, at a grand opening hosted by President Bill Powers. Immediately following the formal dedication ceremony, the men’s and women’s lacrosse clubs held a brief intrasquad scrimmage.

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/16/clark_field/feed/14Defining teaching by more than mere numbershttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/14/faculty_productivity/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/14/faculty_productivity/#commentsMon, 14 Nov 2011 17:52:49 +0000University Communicationshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=22317University of Texas at Austin instructors generate nearly twice as much revenue through research funding and educational dollars as they cost the state in salary and benefits.

The report by Liberal Arts Associate Dean Marc Musick emphasizes that faculty impact cannot be fully measured by limited pieces of data from a single point in time. Still, it finds that the state receives a large return on its investment in instructors at the flagship university.

“Teaching is more art than science,” said President Bill Powers, “and a successful faculty member at a research university is defined by more than mere numbers. But in what we can measure, it is clear that Texas receives an outstanding return on investment in UT Austin faculty.”

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/11/14/faculty_productivity/feed/0Campaign for Texas: Impact on the worldhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/10/24/campaign_impact/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/10/24/campaign_impact/#commentsMon, 24 Oct 2011 21:00:36 +0000Mason Joneshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=21851The Campaign for Texas has had an immense impact on our students, faculty, campus and our community.

President Bill Powers, students, alumni and donors share their stories about how investing in The University of Texas at Austin can change the world.

“The video makes it clear that now, more than ever, the world needs Texas,” Powers said. “I hope it is yet another reason for you to take pride in your university.”

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/10/24/campaign_impact/feed/5UT Austin among nation's most productive universitieshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/06/08/powers_productivity/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/06/08/powers_productivity/#commentsWed, 08 Jun 2011 16:40:51 +0000University Communicationshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=20018William Powers Jr. is president of The University of Texas at Austin. In this piece recently published by the Austin American-Statesman and the Dallas Morning News, Powers discusses the university’s productivity. Read more on his Tower Talk blog.

With more than 52,000 students and many nationally ranked academic programs, The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most productive universities in the United States. But you wouldn’t know it by reading the Center for College Affordability and Productivity’s (CCAP) recently published report, which suggests that if the 80 percent of our faculty that have the lowest teaching load taught half as much as the top 20 percent, tuition could be reduced by half.

The most obvious flaw in this analysis is that the measure of faculty productivity is limited solely to semester credit hours. There is no attempt to measure the quality, and therefore the true productivity, of the learning experience.

At UT, we could easily increase the appearance of efficiency by doing all our teaching in classes of 300 students. According to the CCAP metric, our university would then be far more productive. But what is the goal of a university? At UT, our goal is to provide the most effective learning experience for our undergraduates and graduate students. In addition, we expect our faculty to conduct research to expand knowledge and benefit society.

Let me give one example. As a part of our curriculum reform at UT, we now require all freshmen to complete what we call a First-year Signature Course. In these courses, taught by senior faculty, students concentrate on writing and speaking, critical thinking, and research. These courses are often taught in small seminars, such as the one that I teach. The CCAP analysis would penalize a faculty member for teaching any small class. Yet exposing our freshmen to a rich learning experience with our best faculty is central to our mission and increases our overall educational productivity.

By the CCAP’s measure a faculty member teaching a class of 300 is 16 times more “productive” than one teaching an 18-student seminar. Our small freshman seminars are labor intensive, but we value the student-faculty interaction, and students tell us they value it, too. The same point could be made regarding upper-division and graduate seminars, which are small and relatively expensive. But we believe that providing high-quality graduate education is important for training the next generation of researchers, scholars, and leaders.

At UT we offer a few classes that are large, some with more than 500 students. But we offer many more small classes: 34 percent have fewer than 20 students, and another 41 percent have between 20 and 49 students. Universities need a healthy balance of class sizes to be efficient while maintaining the quality of our teaching. Therefore it comes as no surprise that a minority of UT instructors teaches a majority of semester credit hours, and there is nothing problematic about this.

Furthermore, our faculty devote large amounts of time to student advising, research, scholarly publications, administrative responsibilities, participation and leadership in national and international organizations, and public service. None of this is measured in the CCAP analysis. Overall productivity is important; the mix of individual contributions to productivity is a tactic to achieve it.

At UT, we are very serious about increasing productivity in teaching, research, business operations, and commercialization of intellectual property. Indeed, among the nation’s 120 leading research universities, we are the 10th most efficient when measuring the amount of tuition and state money we spend to achieve our six-year graduation rate. And we spend less state money and tuition per faculty member than all but one other research university in America.

We welcome all productivity analysis that measures quality — because outstanding teaching and research are our goals. With our state’s largest enrollment, highest ranked programs, and highest four-year graduation rate, we are very productive. And we do this with tuition of less than $10,000 per year while receiving only 14 percent of our budget from state appropriations. However, we’re still not satisfied, and we are implementing multiple initiatives to further improve our efficiency.

For the citizens of Texas, we are a very good investment. Last year, our faculty attracted $648 million in research grants, more than double our current state appropriation of $318 million. When combined with other revenue from tuition, philanthropy, and auxiliary enterprises, taxpayers received the benefit of $5.8 billion in economic activity. All of this comes at an annual cost of about $13 per Texas resident.

It’s curious that advocates for productivity should take aim at one of the most productive universities in the nation. In any event, at The University of Texas at Austin, we welcome productivity analysis that includes measures of academic quality, and we will continue to strive for even greater efficiency and effectiveness.

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/06/08/powers_productivity/feed/14Hearts of Texas helps Austin community and beyondhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/14/hearts_of_texas_community/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/14/hearts_of_texas_community/#commentsThu, 14 Oct 2010 22:18:09 +0000Mason Joneshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=14717Since 1996, the Hearts of Texas Charitable Campaign has provided an easy and efficient way for University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff to make donations to causes they care about. The annual Hearts of Texas drive runs through October.
]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/14/hearts_of_texas_community/feed/0Hearts of Texas: Faculty, staff give to worthwhile causeshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/01/hearts_texas/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/01/hearts_texas/#commentsFri, 01 Oct 2010 16:07:30 +0000University Communicationshttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=14378Healthy families. Educational opportunities for all children. Compassionate and caring neighbors.

These are just a few of the values University of Texas at Austin employees support through the annual Hearts of Texas Charitable Campaign, which begins today and runs through Oct. 31.

Since 1996, the Hearts of Texas has provided an easy and efficient way for employees to make donations to causes they care about. Donations may be made online through a payroll deduction plan or employees may donate by cash or check to their departmental representative.

Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, honorary chair of the campaign and the vice president for diversity and community engagement, encourages all employees to make a donation, no matter the amount.

“In uncertain economic times, it is even more important to reach out to those individuals who have the greatest need,” said Vincent. “By pooling our donations — small and large — University of Texas at Austin faculty and staff can make a real and lasting difference to communities, individuals in need, and to worthwhile nonprofit organizations who provide needed services and resources.”

Employees may choose from more than 500 organizations that have been pre-screened by the Capital Area United Way.

University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr. suggests faculty and staff look through the Hearts of Texas donation booklet and identify organizations “that have benefited you, your family, a co-worker or anyone who is special to you.”

“Please consider entering the virtuous cycle of giving by opening your heart to those who need and deserve your help through these organizations,” said Powers. “Our talents and our treasure can enrich others, just as others have already enriched us.”

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/10/01/hearts_texas/feed/0Social Work dean to step downhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/09/21/white_barbara/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/09/21/white_barbara/#commentsTue, 21 Sep 2010 20:57:44 +0000Marjorie Smithhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=14217Dr. Barbara White, dean of the School of Social Work since 1993, plans to step down from that position in August 2011.

White said she looks forward to taking sabbatical leave for a few months to focus on some personal goals.

William Powers Jr. said White is among those leaders at the university who have consistently lived up to the university’s slogan, “What Starts Here Changes the World.”

“Barbara has nurtured a culture of believing in humanity’s ability to make this world a better place,” Powers said. “Her greatest legacy is the many graduates from the School of Social Work who have gone out into the world to make a difference.”

Provost Steven Leslie said the search for a new dean for the school will begin this fall.

White said she believes in leadership succession and is confident “someone with a new vision will come along and take the school to the next level.”

White said after August she plans to “take time to retool for other kinds of responsibilities at the university.” She will have more time for herself and her two grandchildren then, but what she will do with that time is “a chapter still to be written.”

“I’ve been saving a collection of books I haven’t read, so maybe I’ll have time to get caught up on some reading,” White said. “Also, maybe I’ll play pinochle, a game I have not had time to play for the past 17 ½ years.”

White will have led the school for 18 years at the completion of her deanship, Leslie said.

“It takes a special individual to choose this profession,” White said. “Some call it idealistic, but our mission is to see the world live up to a promise of social justice for all people. The members of our profession touch the lives of so many people in so many ways around the globe.

“I know some parents aren’t always ecstatic when their children say they’re majoring in social work, but these students come to us with passions to find ways to make a difference in the lives of children and families, and provide positive interventions in areas such as health and mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse and many other issues that touch people’s lives. I can see the pride in parents’ faces at each commencement ceremony.”

]]>http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/09/21/white_barbara/feed/0Celebrating the accomplishments of faculty, students and staffhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/09/20/sotu_awards/
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2010/09/20/sotu_awards/#commentsMon, 20 Sep 2010 14:57:21 +0000palmercrhttp://www.utexas.edu/know/?p=14086William Powers Jr., president of The University of Texas at Austin, delivered his fifth President’s State of the University Address Sept. 15, that reinforced the role of higher education and the university in fulfilling the American Dream.

This video — highlighting the achievements of the university’s talented faculty, students and staff — played before and after the address.

“Creating opportunity … supporting democracy … generating economic growth — our work is critically important. Great things happen on this campus every day, and all because of our talented people,” said Powers in his address to the university. “You saw but a hundred of them in the awards video a few minutes ago. There are thousands every day who bring distinction to our university. I want to congratulate all of you for your outstanding work.”

“They’re two great Texans, they love The University of Texas at Austin, and they understand the role of athletics and higher education,” Dodds explains. “They’re what keeps us standing tall.”

The metaphor is fitting in more than spirit. The physical also coincides with Dodds’ sentiment. On the south end of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium stands the W.A. Tex Moncrief, Jr.-VF Doc Neuhaus Athletic Center, and the field is enclosed on the north side by the Red McCombs Red Zone.

McCombs’ and Moncrief’s contributions to the university are substantial, and everlasting. On Friday, Sept. 10, the two men were honored in a fitting tribute — two individual statues of their likenesses were unveiled in the food court area of the Red McCombs Red Zone.

Much like the men they resemble, the statues stand as pillars along the passageway from campus to Joe Jamail Field. Before every home football game, the Texas Longhorns and the Longhorn Marching Band walk through this tunnel.

“This is such a fun, and important, tribute,” football coach Mack Brown said. “You look at Mr. McCombs and Mr. Moncrief, they are great leaders, great fathers and great people. They have achieved success, and have bigger-than-life success stories. They are also friends who see the big picture.”

McCombs studied business and law at the university during the 1940s, and went on to own NFL and NBA teams, with his headquarters in nearby San Antonio. Today McCombs’ business endeavors range from golf course design to the high-tech field.

McCombs has always been inspired to give back to the university. It started 12 years ago, when he gave women’s athletics its largest-ever single donation — $3 million to build a state-of-the-art stadium for the young softball program.

“This university has been a big part of my life since I was 16,” McCombs said. “What happens here does change the world. We want this university to be the best in the world.”

In 2000, McCombs donated $50 million to the School of Business to help it maintain its elite standard among other nationally ranked institutions. Most recently, McCombs signed another multimillion dollar check to help the Longhorns renovate and expand the north end of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

“Red is a legendary businessman,” said Thomas Gilligan, dean of the McCombs School of Business. “He has given the Business School so many gifts. This is one way we can thank him.”

After he received his degree in petroleum engineering from Texas in 1942, Moncrief served with the Navy before joining his family business, Moncrief Oil. Moncrief-Neuhaus stands as the football headquarters and was dedicated to the devout Longhorn in 1997, in recognition of Moncrief’s many contributions to the university and the Longhorn legacy.

In 2009, Moncrief gave a donation to create the W. A. “Tex” Moncrief, Jr. Endowment in Simulation-Based Engineering Sciences, which will continue to help young students chase after their dreams just like Moncrief did.

“This is overwhelming,” Moncrief said. “I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Longhorn fan. I have been a bleeding orange Longhorn fan for many, many years.”

Moncrief also serves as president of the William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Foundation, which contributes to educational, health, civic and cultural organizations. Moncrief was named by the Texas Exes as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2008.

“Tex has been extremely generous to UT Athletics and to the campus,” said Gregory Fenves, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering. “For all of that, I am very grateful.”

Friday afternoon provided a special setting for everyone connected to UT to pay tribute to two men who have meant so much.

“It’s a great day for The University of Texas at Austin to be able to honor and recognize two truly remarkable men,” President William Powers Jr. said. “Tex and Red have represented us with honor, integrity and success.”